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AMS-Affiliated Teacher Education Programs

Teacher education programs (TEPs) affiliated by the American Montessori Society provide comprehensive courses of study that prepare the adult learners of today to be the highly skilled, highly qualified Montessori teachers and leaders of tomorrow.

To be eligible for AMS affiliation, a TEP must be accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education, the premier, international standard-setting and accrediting organization for Montessori teacher education. MACTE (executive director, Rebecca Pelton) has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education since 1995.

There are 2 types of AMS-affiliated TEPs:

Independent/freestanding programs (some of which enable students to also earn credits towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree from select colleges/universities)

College/university programs (some of which also offer a master’s degree in Montessori education)

While each AMS-affiliated TEP is unique and has its own academic schedule and tuition, all are rigorously designed with the goal of ensuring that you will receive an education consistent with standards for entry into practice at your chosen level. In addition, all include both an academic component and a practicum component (internship).

The academic component includes a requisite number of contact hours; that is, hours of scheduled instruction while physically present with the instructor. The number of contact hours depends on the level of study; for example, at the Early Childhood level, 300 contact hours are required. Programs that include both contact hours and hours earned via distance learning are called “hybrid” or “blended” programs.

The practicum component is a year-long internship of student teaching that is guided by an experienced supervising teacher and an outside Montessori consultant. Those pursuing an administrator credential have a year-long internship that develops skills in school leadership. The importance of the practicum cannot be overstated.

Montessori Credentials

AMS issues Montessori credentials to successful graduates of AMS-affiliated TEPs who hold a BA or BS degree (or higher). An associate credential for Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood levels is awarded to those who have completed high school but do not hold a college degree.

The following credentials are awarded after graduation from an AMS-affiliated TEP:

Infant & Toddler (birth – age 3)

Early Childhood (ages 2 1/2 – 6)

Elementary I (ages 6 – 9)

Elementary II (ages 9 – 12)

Elementary I – II (ages 6 – 12)

Secondary I (ages 12 – 15)

Secondary I – II (ages 12 – 18)

Administrator

Visit a Program

If you are interested in experiencing firsthand the excitement and energy of an AMS-affiliated TEP, consider visiting a program in your area. TEP directors and their staff, and current adult learners, will warmly welcome you!

Starting an AMS-Affiliated Teacher Education Program

Do you operate—or want to create—a Montessori teacher education program (TEP)? Will you accept nothing short of excellence? Affiliate your program with the American Montessori Society!